Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken fajita meal prep bowls are a lifesaver for busy weeks—flavorful, filling, and ready to go in about 30 minutes. They strike the perfect balance between convenience and taste, so you’re not sacrificing one for the other. With vibrant bell peppers, seasoned chicken, and tender rice, you’ll enjoy the textures and colors just as much as the flavors. They hold up well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, making them an ideal choice whether you’re prepping lunches for work or simply want a quick dinner without compromise.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 package fajita seasoning (or homemade fajita seasoning blend)
• 3 bell peppers (for example: one green, one yellow, one red), sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice

Directions

1. Season the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and the sliced chicken breast. Sprinkle half of the fajita seasoning on the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over them and sauté until they are tender.
3. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables and stir until everything is warmed through and well combined.
4. Portion into bowls: Divide the cooked rice into four sealable containers (about ½ cup of rice per container). Then add about 1 cup of the chicken-vegetable mixture into each container.
5. Store: Seal the containers and place them in the refrigerator until ready to eat. When you’re ready, warm in the microwave and garnish as desired (for example with chopped cilantro or sliced avocado).

Servings and timing

• Makes: 4 bowls
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the rice for cauliflower rice if you prefer a lower-carb option.
• Add black beans or corn to each bowl for extra fiber and color.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor.
• Swap fajita seasoning for taco seasoning if you want a slightly different spice profile.
• Serve with a side of tortillas so you can turn the bowls into fajita wraps.
• Change the rice flavor—try cilantro lime rice, Mexican rice, or even lemon-rice for a bright twist.
• Add toppings like fresh salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
• Use different vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted sweet potatoes.
• Make it vegetarian by using sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken.
• Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños when sautéing peppers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Seal the bowls in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 6 days.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, remove the lid (or vent it) and microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you like a little “fresh” texture to the veggies after reheating, you can briefly sauté them again or enjoy them slightly chilled.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for these bowls?

Any cooked rice works—white rice, brown rice, jasmine, or basmati—choose your preference. If you want more flavor, try cilantro-lime rice or Mexican-style rice.

Can I freeze these meal prep bowls?

Yes, you can freeze them, though the texture of the vegetables may soften a bit after thawing and reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and reheat thoroughly.

How long do these bowls stay good in the fridge?

They’re best eaten within 5-6 days when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely. You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, turkey, tofu, or even shrimp (adjust cooking time accordingly).

Can I make the fajita seasoning myself?

Yes, a homemade fajita seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) works great and gives you control over the spice levels.

What if I don’t like onions or bell peppers?

You can omit onions or swap bell peppers for other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re tender.

Are these bowls gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free fajita seasoning and ensure any store-bought ingredients (such as seasoning blends) are labeled gluten-free.

Can I make these without reheating?

Yes—remove from the fridge and enjoy them cold or at room temperature. They’re still tasty, especially with fresh toppings like avocado or salsa.

Can I add cheese or sour cream?

Definitely. Once you’re ready to eat, feel free to add shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

What toppings go well with these bowls?

Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado or guacamole, lime wedges, diced tomatoes or fresh salsa, and even a drizzle of hot sauce all work beautifully.

Conclusion

These chicken fajita meal prep bowls are a smart meal-prep solution for anyone looking to simplify their week without skimping on flavor or nutrition. With minimal ingredients and fuss, you can set yourself up for success with lunches or dinners that are ready to go. Prep once, enjoy multiple times, and keep things exciting with customizable variations and toppings.

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